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 Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show.
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
I've Missed Mikey Since He Ate Those Pop Rocks!, 22 Jul 2004
Here's the book's premise: "The moment you become famous is the moment when people start telling lies about you." Hollywood Urban Legends is a selection of supposedly well-known rumors about famous entertainment people and the industry. Each section starts out by telling the rumor in the most intrigung way. Then, Mr. Roeper lays out and dissects the evidence and comes to a conclusion. There are several problems with this book. First, unless these are stories you have heard and sort of wish were true, they don't have much zing. I would describe them as "improbable stories that on the surface are probably not true." So I felt like I was wasting my time. Of these legends, I had only heard of about 8 of them. Second, nine of ten legends turn out not to be true. The book would have been ever so much more interesting if half of them had been true. Mr. Roeper missed a chance to write a much more entertaining book. Maybe Matt Drudge will write the sequel? Third, a lot of these are very old chestnuts. Are you excited about what Marilyn Monroe's dress size was? I'm sure most people have noticed by now that their toilets keep working each year during the Super Bowl. Poor Mikey has been gone due to Pop Rocks for a long time. Even my mother knew that Bogart was not the Gerber baby when I was a child. Mr. Roeper also seems biased in terms of believing whatever the creators say. I was not persuaded by his argument that "Puff the Magic Dragon" has nothing to do with drugs. There are a few aha's here. I did not know that John Wayne did not serve in the military in World War II. I certainly did not know that Lucille Ball registered to vote as a communist (to please her grandfather who was a socialist). The last story is fun, if you last that long. You actually may like the book better if you start with that one. Unless you really love trivia, and want to differentiate the true from the false, I'd suggest you would have more fun watching a movie instead. The book does have a good challenge in it. What things do people believe about you that are not true? How would you convince anyone differently? Be open to new ideas, but keep your eyes open for proof!
The truth of the myths? What about the truth of the book?, 08 Oct 2001
If you enjoy urban legends, then you will love this book. Many people have such questions as; "Why do they always use the same legends on tv?", "Why is the 'arent you glad you didnt turn on the light' scene used alot?" Well if you have ever asked one of these questions, then this is the book for you. I found it really enjoyable and I have already purchased another book on legends. I won't say more, I'll let you read what happens...
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
I've Missed Mikey Since He Ate Those Pop Rocks!, 22 Jul 2004
Here's the book's premise: "The moment you become famous is the moment when people start telling lies about you." Hollywood Urban Legends is a selection of supposedly well-known rumors about famous entertainment people and the industry. Each section starts out by telling the rumor in the most intrigung way. Then, Mr. Roeper lays out and dissects the evidence and comes to a conclusion. There are several problems with this book. First, unless these are stories you have heard and sort of wish were true, they don't have much zing. I would describe them as "improbable stories that on the surface are probably not true." So I felt like I was wasting my time. Of these legends, I had only heard of about 8 of them. Second, nine of ten legends turn out not to be true. The book would have been ever so much more interesting if half of them had been true. Mr. Roeper missed a chance to write a much more entertaining book. Maybe Matt Drudge will write the sequel? Third, a lot of these are very old chestnuts. Are you excited about what Marilyn Monroe's dress size was? I'm sure most people have noticed by now that their toilets keep working each year during the Super Bowl. Poor Mikey has been gone due to Pop Rocks for a long time. Even my mother knew that Bogart was not the Gerber baby when I was a child. Mr. Roeper also seems biased in terms of believing whatever the creators say. I was not persuaded by his argument that "Puff the Magic Dragon" has nothing to do with drugs. There are a few aha's here. I did not know that John Wayne did not serve in the military in World War II. I certainly did not know that Lucille Ball registered to vote as a communist (to please her grandfather who was a socialist). The last story is fun, if you last that long. You actually may like the book better if you start with that one. Unless you really love trivia, and want to differentiate the true from the false, I'd suggest you would have more fun watching a movie instead. The book does have a good challenge in it. What things do people believe about you that are not true? How would you convince anyone differently? Be open to new ideas, but keep your eyes open for proof!
The truth of the myths? What about the truth of the book?, 08 Oct 2001
If you enjoy urban legends, then you will love this book. Many people have such questions as; "Why do they always use the same legends on tv?", "Why is the 'arent you glad you didnt turn on the light' scene used alot?" Well if you have ever asked one of these questions, then this is the book for you. I found it really enjoyable and I have already purchased another book on legends. I won't say more, I'll let you read what happens...
A good starter book!, 20 Feb 2003
This book is easy to read, is presented well and is interesting. It is the ideal reference book for someone who is just getting started in an interest of urban legends. It is not as simple as some of the humourous urban legends book, which is not to say it is without humour! It is concise and informative and is easily read in one sitting. Definitely one of the better of the multitude of urban legend books that are out.
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
I've Missed Mikey Since He Ate Those Pop Rocks!, 22 Jul 2004
Here's the book's premise: "The moment you become famous is the moment when people start telling lies about you." Hollywood Urban Legends is a selection of supposedly well-known rumors about famous entertainment people and the industry. Each section starts out by telling the rumor in the most intrigung way. Then, Mr. Roeper lays out and dissects the evidence and comes to a conclusion. There are several problems with this book. First, unless these are stories you have heard and sort of wish were true, they don't have much zing. I would describe them as "improbable stories that on the surface are probably not true." So I felt like I was wasting my time. Of these legends, I had only heard of about 8 of them. Second, nine of ten legends turn out not to be true. The book would have been ever so much more interesting if half of them had been true. Mr. Roeper missed a chance to write a much more entertaining book. Maybe Matt Drudge will write the sequel? Third, a lot of these are very old chestnuts. Are you excited about what Marilyn Monroe's dress size was? I'm sure most people have noticed by now that their toilets keep working each year during the Super Bowl. Poor Mikey has been gone due to Pop Rocks for a long time. Even my mother knew that Bogart was not the Gerber baby when I was a child. Mr. Roeper also seems biased in terms of believing whatever the creators say. I was not persuaded by his argument that "Puff the Magic Dragon" has nothing to do with drugs. There are a few aha's here. I did not know that John Wayne did not serve in the military in World War II. I certainly did not know that Lucille Ball registered to vote as a communist (to please her grandfather who was a socialist). The last story is fun, if you last that long. You actually may like the book better if you start with that one. Unless you really love trivia, and want to differentiate the true from the false, I'd suggest you would have more fun watching a movie instead. The book does have a good challenge in it. What things do people believe about you that are not true? How would you convince anyone differently? Be open to new ideas, but keep your eyes open for proof!
The truth of the myths? What about the truth of the book?, 08 Oct 2001
If you enjoy urban legends, then you will love this book. Many people have such questions as; "Why do they always use the same legends on tv?", "Why is the 'arent you glad you didnt turn on the light' scene used alot?" Well if you have ever asked one of these questions, then this is the book for you. I found it really enjoyable and I have already purchased another book on legends. I won't say more, I'll let you read what happens...
A good starter book!, 20 Feb 2003
This book is easy to read, is presented well and is interesting. It is the ideal reference book for someone who is just getting started in an interest of urban legends. It is not as simple as some of the humourous urban legends book, which is not to say it is without humour! It is concise and informative and is easily read in one sitting. Definitely one of the better of the multitude of urban legend books that are out.
Great book debunking popular urban legends, 27 May 1999
It appears that many of those who have reviewed this book misunderstood its purpose. It is not a "scary story" book; rather, it is a compilation of common urban legends and myths, complete with debunkings. I thought this book was vastly interesting and entertaining. If you're interested in whether some of the stories you've heard are true or not, or in how urban legends get altered as time goes on, you should definitely give it a read.
Classic tales from the 80s, 13 Apr 1999
Jan, the mistro of modern folklore, pushes forward with this book that is not only fun and easy to read, but is a great start for folks wanting to learn more about urban legends and moderen folklore. Possibly the best Jan has done, Curses! Broiled again! is a good buy for anyone interested in cultural studies.
Okay book but..........., 01 Apr 1999
I just bought this book the other day after seeing the movie "Urban Legends." I thought it (the book) would be scarier than it was. It really wasn't the book that I had intended on buying, but it was the only book left about the subject. I gave this book 3 stars because it was pretty good, but again, it wasn't scary enough and I think the author, Jan Harold Brunvand, used to much first person. I still intend on buying "The Big Book of Urban Legends" by this author and would appreciate any e-mails concerning how this (the book I just mentioned) is and if it's any better than the one I've already read. Buy it if you're desperate, but don't if you're not!!
It wasn't very good! :(, 26 Mar 1999
I thought it was the stories, but no, it's just the proof the author has that the legends are true or false. From the other reviews I've heard, I thought it was going to be a really good book, but it wasn't. I was very disappointed, and I don't recommend for you to waste your money on this book.
it's not very good, 26 Mar 1999
it's not the stories it's just what kind of proof the author has that the stories are true or false. it disappointed me. with the other reviews i thought that it would be a really good book, but it wasn't all that good.
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
I've Missed Mikey Since He Ate Those Pop Rocks!, 22 Jul 2004
Here's the book's premise: "The moment you become famous is the moment when people start telling lies about you." Hollywood Urban Legends is a selection of supposedly well-known rumors about famous entertainment people and the industry. Each section starts out by telling the rumor in the most intrigung way. Then, Mr. Roeper lays out and dissects the evidence and comes to a conclusion. There are several problems with this book. First, unless these are stories you have heard and sort of wish were true, they don't have much zing. I would describe them as "improbable stories that on the surface are probably not true." So I felt like I was wasting my time. Of these legends, I had only heard of about 8 of them. Second, nine of ten legends turn out not to be true. The book would have been ever so much more interesting if half of them had been true. Mr. Roeper missed a chance to write a much more entertaining book. Maybe Matt Drudge will write the sequel? Third, a lot of these are very old chestnuts. Are you excited about what Marilyn Monroe's dress size was? I'm sure most people have noticed by now that their toilets keep working each year during the Super Bowl. Poor Mikey has been gone due to Pop Rocks for a long time. Even my mother knew that Bogart was not the Gerber baby when I was a child. Mr. Roeper also seems biased in terms of believing whatever the creators say. I was not persuaded by his argument that "Puff the Magic Dragon" has nothing to do with drugs. There are a few aha's here. I did not know that John Wayne did not serve in the military in World War II. I certainly did not know that Lucille Ball registered to vote as a communist (to please her grandfather who was a socialist). The last story is fun, if you last that long. You actually may like the book better if you start with that one. Unless you really love trivia, and want to differentiate the true from the false, I'd suggest you would have more fun watching a movie instead. The book does have a good challenge in it. What things do people believe about you that are not true? How would you convince anyone differently? Be open to new ideas, but keep your eyes open for proof!
The truth of the myths? What about the truth of the book?, 08 Oct 2001
If you enjoy urban legends, then you will love this book. Many people have such questions as; "Why do they always use the same legends on tv?", "Why is the 'arent you glad you didnt turn on the light' scene used alot?" Well if you have ever asked one of these questions, then this is the book for you. I found it really enjoyable and I have already purchased another book on legends. I won't say more, I'll let you read what happens...
A good starter book!, 20 Feb 2003
This book is easy to read, is presented well and is interesting. It is the ideal reference book for someone who is just getting started in an interest of urban legends. It is not as simple as some of the humourous urban legends book, which is not to say it is without humour! It is concise and informative and is easily read in one sitting. Definitely one of the better of the multitude of urban legend books that are out.
Great book debunking popular urban legends, 27 May 1999
It appears that many of those who have reviewed this book misunderstood its purpose. It is not a "scary story" book; rather, it is a compilation of common urban legends and myths, complete with debunkings. I thought this book was vastly interesting and entertaining. If you're interested in whether some of the stories you've heard are true or not, or in how urban legends get altered as time goes on, you should definitely give it a read.
Classic tales from the 80s, 13 Apr 1999
Jan, the mistro of modern folklore, pushes forward with this book that is not only fun and easy to read, but is a great start for folks wanting to learn more about urban legends and moderen folklore. Possibly the best Jan has done, Curses! Broiled again! is a good buy for anyone interested in cultural studies.
Okay book but..........., 01 Apr 1999
I just bought this book the other day after seeing the movie "Urban Legends." I thought it (the book) would be scarier than it was. It really wasn't the book that I had intended on buying, but it was the only book left about the subject. I gave this book 3 stars because it was pretty good, but again, it wasn't scary enough and I think the author, Jan Harold Brunvand, used to much first person. I still intend on buying "The Big Book of Urban Legends" by this author and would appreciate any e-mails concerning how this (the book I just mentioned) is and if it's any better than the one I've already read. Buy it if you're desperate, but don't if you're not!!
It wasn't very good! :(, 26 Mar 1999
I thought it was the stories, but no, it's just the proof the author has that the legends are true or false. From the other reviews I've heard, I thought it was going to be a really good book, but it wasn't. I was very disappointed, and I don't recommend for you to waste your money on this book.
it's not very good, 26 Mar 1999
it's not the stories it's just what kind of proof the author has that the stories are true or false. it disappointed me. with the other reviews i thought that it would be a really good book, but it wasn't all that good.
Good resource, 22 Mar 2004
I was desperate to find a good resource book that would give me an overview of urban legends, and this is the best book, at a very reasonable price (Paper back version) I have found. It provides information on many of the famous Urban legends such as "The kidney Hiest", but also provides information on the less famous (But by no means less intriguing) stories. Where possible the author has tried to trace the source of the legend, and accounting for the variations region to region, Brillant for n e body who wants a resource, but for those who want something to read this book lacks detail to make good bed time stories. Its more Fact then Fiction (so to speak!)
The most comprehensive urban legend reference book., 20 Feb 2003
Like many people, since watching the 'Urban Legends' film I have become a bit of a fan, and have bought many books about urban legends. However, I have been searching for the ultimate reference book of urban legends and I have found it! It may seem expensive and to be truthful it is only the cost that stopped it getting five stars. At first when I received it I was a little disappointed about the size of it and couldnt work out why the cost was so high. But once I had started reading it I realised that it was actually good value for what you get. This has everything you could possibly imagine in it, in an encyclopedia format. It is easy to read and to find particular legends, and also gives details about histories of particular legends and any other details that may exist about it. This is an essential book for your bookcase if you are a true fan of this subject looking for the ultimate reference book, but because of the cost I wouldnt recommend this to anyone who only has a slight interest in this subject.
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
I've Missed Mikey Since He Ate Those Pop Rocks!, 22 Jul 2004
Here's the book's premise: "The moment you become famous is the moment when people start telling lies about you." Hollywood Urban Legends is a selection of supposedly well-known rumors about famous entertainment people and the industry. Each section starts out by telling the rumor in the most intrigung way. Then, Mr. Roeper lays out and dissects the evidence and comes to a conclusion. There are several problems with this book. First, unless these are stories you have heard and sort of wish were true, they don't have much zing. I would describe them as "improbable stories that on the surface are probably not true." So I felt like I was wasting my time. Of these legends, I had only heard of about 8 of them. Second, nine of ten legends turn out not to be true. The book would have been ever so much more interesting if half of them had been true. Mr. Roeper missed a chance to write a much more entertaining book. Maybe Matt Drudge will write the sequel? Third, a lot of these are very old chestnuts. Are you excited about what Marilyn Monroe's dress size was? I'm sure most people have noticed by now that their toilets keep working each year during the Super Bowl. Poor Mikey has been gone due to Pop Rocks for a long time. Even my mother knew that Bogart was not the Gerber baby when I was a child. Mr. Roeper also seems biased in terms of believing whatever the creators say. I was not persuaded by his argument that "Puff the Magic Dragon" has nothing to do with drugs. There are a few aha's here. I did not know that John Wayne did not serve in the military in World War II. I certainly did not know that Lucille Ball registered to vote as a communist (to please her grandfather who was a socialist). The last story is fun, if you last that long. You actually may like the book better if you start with that one. Unless you really love trivia, and want to differentiate the true from the false, I'd suggest you would have more fun watching a movie instead. The book does have a good challenge in it. What things do people believe about you that are not true? How would you convince anyone differently? Be open to new ideas, but keep your eyes open for proof!
The truth of the myths? What about the truth of the book?, 08 Oct 2001
If you enjoy urban legends, then you will love this book. Many people have such questions as; "Why do they always use the same legends on tv?", "Why is the 'arent you glad you didnt turn on the light' scene used alot?" Well if you have ever asked one of these questions, then this is the book for you. I found it really enjoyable and I have already purchased another book on legends. I won't say more, I'll let you read what happens...
A good starter book!, 20 Feb 2003
This book is easy to read, is presented well and is interesting. It is the ideal reference book for someone who is just getting started in an interest of urban legends. It is not as simple as some of the humourous urban legends book, which is not to say it is without humour! It is concise and informative and is easily read in one sitting. Definitely one of the better of the multitude of urban legend books that are out.
Great book debunking popular urban legends, 27 May 1999
It appears that many of those who have reviewed this book misunderstood its purpose. It is not a "scary story" book; rather, it is a compilation of common urban legends and myths, complete with debunkings. I thought this book was vastly interesting and entertaining. If you're interested in whether some of the stories you've heard are true or not, or in how urban legends get altered as time goes on, you should definitely give it a read.
Classic tales from the 80s, 13 Apr 1999
Jan, the mistro of modern folklore, pushes forward with this book that is not only fun and easy to read, but is a great start for folks wanting to learn more about urban legends and moderen folklore. Possibly the best Jan has done, Curses! Broiled again! is a good buy for anyone interested in cultural studies.
Okay book but..........., 01 Apr 1999
I just bought this book the other day after seeing the movie "Urban Legends." I thought it (the book) would be scarier than it was. It really wasn't the book that I had intended on buying, but it was the only book left about the subject. I gave this book 3 stars because it was pretty good, but again, it wasn't scary enough and I think the author, Jan Harold Brunvand, used to much first person. I still intend on buying "The Big Book of Urban Legends" by this author and would appreciate any e-mails concerning how this (the book I just mentioned) is and if it's any better than the one I've already read. Buy it if you're desperate, but don't if you're not!!
It wasn't very good! :(, 26 Mar 1999
I thought it was the stories, but no, it's just the proof the author has that the legends are true or false. From the other reviews I've heard, I thought it was going to be a really good book, but it wasn't. I was very disappointed, and I don't recommend for you to waste your money on this book.
it's not very good, 26 Mar 1999
it's not the stories it's just what kind of proof the author has that the stories are true or false. it disappointed me. with the other reviews i thought that it would be a really good book, but it wasn't all that good.
Good resource, 22 Mar 2004
I was desperate to find a good resource book that would give me an overview of urban legends, and this is the best book, at a very reasonable price (Paper back version) I have found. It provides information on many of the famous Urban legends such as "The kidney Hiest", but also provides information on the less famous (But by no means less intriguing) stories. Where possible the author has tried to trace the source of the legend, and accounting for the variations region to region, Brillant for n e body who wants a resource, but for those who want something to read this book lacks detail to make good bed time stories. Its more Fact then Fiction (so to speak!)
The most comprehensive urban legend reference book., 20 Feb 2003
Like many people, since watching the 'Urban Legends' film I have become a bit of a fan, and have bought many books about urban legends. However, I have been searching for the ultimate reference book of urban legends and I have found it! It may seem expensive and to be truthful it is only the cost that stopped it getting five stars. At first when I received it I was a little disappointed about the size of it and couldnt work out why the cost was so high. But once I had started reading it I realised that it was actually good value for what you get. This has everything you could possibly imagine in it, in an encyclopedia format. It is easy to read and to find particular legends, and also gives details about histories of particular legends and any other details that may exist about it. This is an essential book for your bookcase if you are a true fan of this subject looking for the ultimate reference book, but because of the cost I wouldnt recommend this to anyone who only has a slight interest in this subject.
For all the office workers of the world. A MUST HAVE !!, 05 Aug 1999
Gotta have it. If you are at all interested in the origins of all the photocopier art passsed around from desk to desk and generation to generation...
An American Treasure of humor, 13 Jun 1999
This book is a MUST HAVE for the office worker who enjoys handing out XEROX copies of great humor. Not only is this book extremely funny, it has captured an "almost lost history" of American folklore. Nowhere else can you get the ultimate source of good humor, that has detailed explainations of what and how each joke (or story) have come to being. Good information to educate the younger generation who don't quite understand the true humor of the past. Get a copy of this genuine relic of great writings of people like you and me. A modest collection of pamphlets, cartoons, stories, limmericks, "Top Ten", racial, religious, nationality, poems. etc... some of which you may have seen passed around the office at one time or another. Probably the best "bathroom book" you'll ever get your hands on.
White-collar frustration gets white-hot, 08 Oct 1997
White-collar frustration gets white-hot in this hilarious look into the minds of America's hardest working jokers. Water-cooler not included.
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Customer Reviews
Good read for a Mythbusters fan, 14 Feb 2006
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a fan of the show I'd already seen all the myths featured, but there's a good bit of information for each one that wasn't on the show. I liked reading about Adam and Jamie's backgrounds too. Worth a read if you enjoy the show. 4 stars in the Loo Reading category, 07 Dec 2002
Urban legends are anecdotal yarns, sworn to be factually based, which become embellished to the point of being "too good to be true" as they percolate through society. Today's urban legends will become the future's fairy tales. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE is an assemblage of over 200 such stories gathered by Jan Brunvand, who is an expert, perhaps obsessively so, on the subject. They cover a wide range of source topics: pets, criminals, cars, sex, accidents, babies, work, technology, human nature, mistaken ID, academia, food, the supernatural, wild animals, and more. They inspire laughter, horror, disbelief, or just plain "Oh, yuck!" Each story is followed by a paragraph, sometimes lengthy, on the times and places the anecdote, or some variant of it, has appeared. Some go back to the 19th century. After the first twenty-five or so, I decided to leave this last bit to the truly compulsive. My favorite was the one about the American couple staying at the Moscow hotel during the bad old Soviet era. Obsessed with the possible presence of listening devices, the couple searched the room for "bugs". Finding only a metal plate under the carpet, they removed the screws from it. The next morning on checkout, the desk manager asked if they'd spent a pleasant night. He was concerned since the couple in the room below our intrepid travelers had the chandelier fall on them. My wife said she's never seen me laugh so hard. The trouble with these stories is that they have no developing plot, no hero to love, and no villain to hate. Like eating popcorn, the experience, however delightful, ends with the last kernel/paragraph. Nobody ever exclaims, "Wow, I had a great bag of popcorn last week!" Similarly, I doubt this book will stay memorable for more than a minute. As reading for those contemplative moments in the loo, it stands out with a capital "L" for Light.
Fascinating and fun!, 24 Jul 1999
A great read- debunks so many of the myths I've heard and SWORE were true.
The only book on Urban Legends you'll ever need!, 21 Jul 1999
The movie "Urban Legend" sparked my interest in the topic, but the author in his book exceeded everything I ever wanted to learn about all the modern day "fables" I have heard all my life. I actually got red-faced reading stories that I had believed all my life because I heard it from a friend that heard it from "a friend that it actually happened to..."! Can't wait to see what the author has coming up next!
Great Book on Interesting Subject!!!!, 09 Jul 1999
If you want to read about Urban Legends get this book!!! Unlike the Big Book of Urban Legends this one has alternate versions, explains how some came about or how long they have been around. The stories are very interesting even if they are untrue. Interesting because many are very plausible others so stupid its funny. Also interesting because you see how these stories travel around as truth. "I heard this one from my co-workers secretary's sister's boyfriend's cousin"
We all know the stories, 15 Jan 1999
A fabulous introduction into the propagation of urban legend. We already know the stories - the hook or alligators in New York's sewers. The book is appropriate for the general audience, but has an academic twist. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
Excellent book about stories and culture, 07 Aug 1998
This book is excellent. By reading it you get a good scope on what urban legends are and how they fulfil their role in communication in society. I have done some research in Folklore and Urban Legends in the Netherlands, and Brunvand's work has had a major influence on the scope of my thesis. He knows what he is talking about. This book gives a good insight in storytelling, culture and American Society. A must for researchers in cultural studies, and probably a good book for those who want to learn more about the American society. It is fun to read, clearly written and Brunvand has a nice style of writing. I think many people would like this book, whether they are doing research, are on holiday, on the train or whatever. It's a book of all times, and so are the stories...
Entertaining one-day read, but only for fun, 23 Jun 1998
I bought this book to get a better understanding of WHY urban myths and other word-of-mouth stories are passed along in our society. Basically, this is the first of many books later published by Brunvand which documents examples of popular urban legends.
Excellent introduction to urban folklore, 12 May 1997
"The Vanishing Hitchhiker," folklorist Jan Harold Brunvand's first book on urban legends, provides a thorough introduction to the definition, interpretation, and themes of urban folkore. About three dozen classic "friend of a friend" tales are covered in depth; each is presented through several examples, accompanied by a detailed analysis, and listed in a Notes section highlighting folklore journal articles about it. All in all, an excellent introduction for those who care to learn more about the field of urban folklore rather than just read collections of urban legends.
I've Missed Mikey Since He Ate Those Pop Rocks!, 22 Jul 2004
Here's the book's premise: "The moment you become famous is the moment when people start telling lies about you." Hollywood Urban Legends is a selection of supposedly well-known rumors about famous entertainment people and the industry. Each section starts out by telling the rumor in the most intrigung way. Then, Mr. Roeper lays out and dissects the evidence and comes to a conclusion. There are several problems with this book. First, unless these are stories you have heard and sort of wish were true, they don't have much zing. I would describe them as "improbable stories that on the surface are probably not true." So I felt like I was wasting my time. Of these legends, I had only heard of about 8 of them. Second, nine of ten legends turn out not to be true. The book would have been ever so much more interesting if half of them had been true. Mr. Roeper missed a chance to write a much more entertaining book. Maybe Matt Drudge will write the sequel? Third, a lot of these are very old chestnuts. Are you excited about what Marilyn Monroe's dress size was? I'm sure most people have noticed by now that their toilets keep working each year during the Super Bowl. Poor Mikey has been gone due to Pop Rocks for a long time. Even my mother knew that Bogart was not the Gerber baby when I was a child. Mr. Roeper also seems biased in terms of believing whatever the creators say. I was not persuaded by his argument that "Puff the Magic Dragon" has nothing to do with drugs. There are a few aha's here. I did not know that John Wayne did not serve in the military in World War II. I certainly did not know that Lucille Ball registered to vote as a communist (to please her grandfather who was a socialist). The last story is fun, if you last that long. You actually may like the book better if you start with that one. Unless you really love trivia, and want to differentiate the true from the false, I'd suggest you would have more fun watching a movie instead. The book does have a good challenge in it. What things do people believe about you that are not true? How would you convince anyone differently? Be open to new ideas, but keep your eyes open for proof!
The truth of the myths? What about the truth of the book?, 08 Oct 2001
If you enjoy urban legends, then you will love this book. Many people have such questions as; "Why do they always use the same legends on tv?", "Why is the 'arent you glad you didnt turn on the light' scene used alot?" Well if you have ever asked one of these questions, then this is the book for you. I found it really enjoyable and I have already purchased another book on legends. I won't say more, I'll let you read what happens...
A good starter book!, 20 Feb 2003
This book is easy to read, is presented well and is interesting. It is the ideal reference book for someone who is just getting started in an interest of urban legends. It is not as simple as some of the humourous urban legends book, which is not to say it is without humour! It is concise and informative and is easily read in one sitting. Definitely one of the better of the multitude of urban legend books that are out.
Great book debunking popular urban legends, 27 May 1999
It appears that many of those who have reviewed this book misunderstood its purpose. It is not a "scary story" book; rather, it is a compilation of common urban legends and myths, complete with debunkings. I thought this book was vastly interesting and entertaining. If you're interested in whether some of the stories you've heard are true or not, or in how urban legends get altered as time goes on, you should definitely give it a read.
Classic tales from the 80s, 13 Apr 1999
Jan, the mistro of modern folklore, pushes forward with this book that is not only fun and easy to read, but is a great start for folks wanting to learn more about urban legends and moderen folklore. Possibly the best Jan has done, Curses! Broiled again! is a good buy for anyone interested in cultural studies.
Okay book but..........., 01 Apr 1999
I just bought this book the other day after seeing the movie "Urban Legends." I thought it (the book) would be scarier than it was. It really wasn't the book that I had intended on buying, but it was the only book left about the subject. I gave this book 3 stars because it was pretty good, but again, it wasn't scary enough and I think the author, Jan Harold Brunvand, used to much first person. I still intend on buying "The Big Book of Urban Legends" by this author and would appreciate any e-mails concerning how this (the book I just mentioned) is and if it's any better than the one I've already read. Buy it if you're desperate, but don't if you're not!!
It wasn't very good! :(, 26 Mar 1999
I thought it was the stories, but no, it's just the proof the author has that the legends are true or false. From the other reviews I've heard, I thought it was going to be a really good book, but it wasn't. I was very disappointed, and I don't recommend for you to waste your money on this book.
it's not very good, 26 Mar 1999
it's not the stories it's just what kind of proof the author has that the stories are true or false. it disappointed me. with the other reviews i thought that it would be a really good book, but it wasn't all that good.
Good resource, 22 Mar 2004
I was desperate to find a good resource book that would give me an overview of urban legends, and this is the best book, at a very re | | |